One of the great treasures of Los Angeles is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and its summer film series Cinespia.

Yes, it sounds creepy, like the opening scene of a zombie movie. Everyone assumes that you will have to walk over graves in the dark, lean against headstones to watch the movies as your friends slowly disappear in the night, one by one. This is not the case at all. There is a great lawn near one of the buildings where you can spread your blankets and pillows and picnic under those perfect summer nights in Los Angeles.

The selection of flicks is eclectic, alternating between classics and cult movies. Beware of the really popular films because the line at the entrance and parking will be horrendous. Each night features a guest DJ before and after the movie and it is a great festive evening. Go grab your wine and pesto pasta and throw pillows and get in line. You will not be disappointed.

Cinespia, Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

Cinespia, Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

Hollywood Forever is also well worth checking out in the daytime as many celebrities reside within its fences and there are many tragic stories to be stumbled upon and discovered.

Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

These dolls were arranged in the hedges next to a series of children’s graves.

Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

Johnny Ramone, Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Leica M6, Kodak Tri-X

I do not know if this is still the case as I have not been there in a couple of years, but near Johnny Ramone’s statue, a gang of extremely territorial ducks and geese reside in the reflecting pond. Since there are no other graves or markers nearby, they really appear to be Johnny’s guardians and they are mean fuckers. In this image, you can see that they waddled all the way over from the water just to come chase me off.